Master of Education
WORLD LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION 2021-22
ConcordiaContinuingStudies.com/medwl
About Our Program Our Master of Education in World Language Instruction is an innovative, hybrid program designed for working world language, ESL and TESOL teachers. In collaboration with Concordia Language Villages (CLV), we strive to combine theory and practice, enabling you to create practical and engaging classrooms for today’s language learners.
What Sets Us Apart One-of-a-Kind Program | No other U.S. program offers the unique mix of immersion, practical classroom application, and strong integration of technology into curriculum. The condensed summer schedule and interactive online coursework during the academic year make the program perfect for busy teachers. Excellent Track Record | We have more than a decade of exceptional experience preparing outstanding language educators, and an outstanding 97% graduation rate. Personal Attention | Faculty place strong emphasis on advising and mentoring students to achieve goals, and personal and professional success. Learning Support | Students will have the opportunity to connect, learn and share with their cohort, even as they set off in different directions. The supportive relationships of your cohort-based community and teaching faculty will play an important role in your success. Flexibility | We work with teachers to create a schedule that meets their personal and professional needs.
The Master of Education in World Language Instruction program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
2 | Program
More Than Curriculum Concordia Language Villages (CLV) | Master’s students engage in experiential learning and immersion methodologies, and interact with Language Villages staff and villagers from across the country and around the world during scheduled observation days. Cultural Integration | Strong focus is placed on meeting the needs of diverse learners of various backgrounds, and integrating topics of social justice and ACTFL World-Readiness Standards or WIDA Standards into their curriculum. Concordia Values | Gain a true sense of purpose and focus on what it means to become responsibly engaged in the world. We aim to transform your global understanding, character and compassion, and inspire you to serve the world’s greatest needs. Our Graduates | Our diverse program alumni range from first-year teachers to those with more than 25 years of experience in the classroom. They represent 21 countries and 26 different states; they are fluent in a wide variety of languages. We are proud to send forth talented, motivated educators that will have a positive impact on the lives of their language students.
Program | 3
Curriculum | 34 Credits in Two Years Most coursework is fully online, including during the summer. A small portion of the summer coursework takes place in Bemidji, Minn., at Concordia Language Villages. However, the program is responsive to students’ needs and online arrangements can be made. Summer Year One | 10 Credit Hours Second Language and Immersion Methodologies Assessing Language Learners Motivating Students via Technology Academic Year One | 8 Credit Hours Technology for Effective Language Instruction Accessing Cultural Products, Practices and Perspectives via Technology Summer Year Two | 10 Credit Hours Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Content-Based Language Learning Intensive Language and Teaching Experience Academic Year Two | 6 Credit Hours Online Seminar Research Thesis or Professional Project
“During the summer you get to know your cohort, work with extremely talented faculty, and explore Concordia Language Villages firsthand. It allowed me to become a better educator while also becoming lifelong friends with my cohort. At different points throughout the year, I reached out to my cohort and professors and they got back to me quickly with great ideas and solutions.” Nathan Liston | Secondary Spanish teacher
4 | Curriculum
Admission and Application The program operates on a rolling admission basis. We will begin accepting applications for the 2021-22 Master of Education in World Language Instruction program through GradCAS, on Sept. 1, 2020. Review of applications will begin in October 2020 and continue through May 2021, or until the cohort is filled. Admission Requirements A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 A current one-page resume An essay of at least 500 words, representing your highest level of academic writing including a description of your professional experiences, goals and background that have contributed to your readiness for graduate education Three letters of recommendation from different individuals with strong knowledge of your professional character including observation of special skills and your ability to succeed in a graduate program Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions Application fee of $35
Application Applicants will create an account in GradCAS and complete four application sections, request evaluators, upload documents and answer program questions.
International Students International transcripts must be sent to an approved credential evaluation agency for review. English proficiency must be demonstrated by test scores from IELTS (minimum of 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum of 80).
ConcordiaContinuingStudies.com/medwl-application
Admission and Application | 5
Program Outcomes Students graduating from the Master of Education in World Language program leave with new insights and a stronger sense of understanding about what today’s diverse learners need in the classroom. Our graduates inherit a wealth of skills and methods to share with students to improve language instruction. Understand and demonstrate current methodologies in second language instruction through: Teaching principles based on second language acquisition theories Curricular design and instruction practices in content-based learning, in immersion, content-based instruction and High Leverage Teaching Practices Best practices in formative and summative assessment, including Integrated Performance Assessmen Understand principles of structuring research topics, gathering and using appropriate information and employing valid statistical techniques in educational research designs through: Design procedures for qualitative and quantitative research in second language teaching and learning Critical interpretation of current research in second language teaching and learning Apply current technology methods and innovations to second language teaching and learning through: Evaluation of modern electronic resources and development of strategies that address issues involved with incorporating them in the classroom Demonstration of how technology can be used to deliver and enhance instruction in the second language classroom
6 | Program Outcomes
Core Program Strengths Experiential learning and immersion methodologies at Concordia Language Villages Integration of culture, topics of social justice, ACTFL World-Readiness Standards or WIDA Standards, and performance assessment into curriculum Focus on meeting the needs of diverse learners of various backgrounds using an asset-based mindset Creating best practices for meaningful integration of technology in language teaching Collaboration with fellow cohort members
“My favorite thing about the online classes is the relevance of everything we do. All our major assignments are lessons, assessments and unit plans that we can use in our classrooms. Then, on top of that, I get to study my students’ reactions to the things I create! This program has really encouraged me to reflect on my teaching philosophy on a day-to-day basis.” Stephanie Battista Spanish immersion teacher
Program Strengths | 7
Graduate-Level Elective Courses The Master of Education in World Language Instruction, in partnership with the department of World Languages and Cultures, offers elective courses as part of the program. These consist of graduate language courses, taught in the target language, fully online, and may be offered in a variety of languages on demand. These courses are ideal for both M.Ed. students and non-degree-seeking students who want to improve their language skills, fulfill requirements to teach dual-credit courses or for other professional opportunities. Courses are taught by faculty from Concordia’s World Language and Cultures department and Concordia Language Villages and include topics such as film, media and human relations, young adult literature, advanced pedagogical grammar, critical topics, social justice and more. Cost | All course costs are $525 per credit hour with the exception of AMLA-624 that is $560 per credit hour (this course is part of the Master of Education in World Language program and is held at Concordia Language Villages). There is no application fee to register for individual courses. Explore course details and register easily online. ConcordiaContinuingStudies.com/graduate-electives
8 | Graduate Electives
Financial Information Tuition | $525 per credit hour Technology and Library Fees | $35 per credit hour A $200 deposit is required to hold a seat in the program. The deposit will be applied to the first tuition payment. Room and board details are available on the website. To apply for all forms of federal financial aid you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The FAFSA can be completed any time after Oct. 1 for the following academic year. Students will also need to complete a FAFSA for the current academic year to receive aid for the first summer session.
“The program offers a very well-rounded, comprehensive set of courses to support professional development to the mastery level. I have gained confidence in my methods, and I’ve been able to tweak my work to become the best professional I can be.” Catherine Som | French teacher
Financial Information | 9
Faculty Our exceptional Concordia College and Concordia Language Villages faculty have backgrounds in multiple languages and varied educational experiences. They have traveled the world and been recognized for their excellence in world language instruction. Learn from our faculty as well as experts in the field from across the nation. Dr. Cassandra L. Glynn Director | M.Ed. in World Language Instruction Associate Professor | Education 218.299.3857 | cglynn@cord.edu
“The highlight of this program has been finishing my research study and being proud of the work I’ve done and the knowledge I’ve gained. This program has influenced me to continuously support my language learners and to help them be the most independent learners they can be.” Maggie Seter First-grade Spanish immersion teacher
10 | Faculty
About Concordia Language Villages For over 50 years, more than 150,000 villagers have joined us in our mission to inspire courageous global citizens. Concordia Language Villages provide programs for adults and educators, youth and high school students. The wide range of programs offered are for those who don’t just speak the language, they live it! Concordia Language Villages creates a community of learners in which opportunities to interact in a second language and experience other cultures permeate life at the Villages. The ultimate goal of all immersion programming is to create an experience in language and culture that motivates participants to be lifelong learners and to become responsible citizens in a global community. Experience-based learning is emphasized in every aspect of the curriculum. The educational objectives of CLV are reinforced through the everyday living, learning, social and recreational dimensions of Village life. Grad students spend two summers at CLV both observing and interacting with villagers and instructors. Students will attend summer classes on the Bemidji State University campus, just a few miles from the villages. This time in the summer when cohorts meet to explore CLV, and learn, share and grow professionally, is one of the unique features that sets our program apart. ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org
Concordia Language Villages | 11
About Concordia College Mission Statement | The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life. Concordia College is located in Moorhead, Minn., and was founded Oct. 31, 1891, by Norwegian settlers. Dr. William J. Craft is the college‘s 11th president; he began serving July 11, 2011. Concordia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. At Concordia, we believe a great college should do more than prepare you with lifelong career advantages. We aim to transform your global understanding, character and compassion, inspiring you to serve the world’s greatest needs. Becoming responsibly engaged in the world is our educational objective.
14224/D/1220
ConcordiaCollege.edu
For More Information Concordia Continuing Studies 218.299.3567 | continue@cord.edu | medwl@cord.edu CooncordiaContinuingStudies.com/medwl